Portales homes evacuated for gas leak

Portales — A natural gas leak Monday morning on Yucca Drive led to the evacuation of several homes.

A city of Portales crew digging in an alley in the 100 block of Yucca Dr. hit a PNM gas line about 8:30 a.m., causing the leak, according to city and PNM officials.

Eight people in a one-block radius of the accident were evacuated, according to Portales Police Capt. Lonnie Berry.

“My wife and I went inside of our home because of the strong gas smell,” Ken Morrison said. “I was working in my backyard when I heard a loud pop. Some workers came over right away and told me that a line had been hit. The police advised us not to do anything that would cause a spark.”

PNM spokesman Kevin Fuller said the leaking line was shut off immediately. He said service to the residents in that area was not affected for long.